Do you suffer from PTSD, and you are wondering if you could receive access to Delaware medical marijuana for PTSD? It is completely understandable that you would search for options to help you treat your PTSD. Innovative research is demonstrating that medical cannabis may be helpful for patients dealing with a whole host of mental health conditions. One condition that seems to be demonstrating great promise with therapeutic relief from medical marijuana is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
The good news that as a Delaware resident you can access medical marijuana for PTSD. If you suffer from PTSD and have questions about the possibility of obtaining a Delaware medical marijuana card, the team at Green Relief Health is here to help! Our Patient Care Coordinators can be reached Monday-Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at 302-564-9994 or by scheduling an appointment here.
What is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?
Let’s first look at what PTSD is so we can understand how Delaware medical marijuana may help. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a neuropsychiatric condition arising from exposure to one or more highly traumatic experiences. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, approximately 12 million people in the United States have PTSD. These ordeals are disturbing in nature, involving (actual or threatened) serious injury, violence, or sudden, tragic loss.
It is possible for a PTSD diagnosis to also be grouped into different subtype diagnoses. These subtypes include Dissociative, Complex (c-PTSD), or Comorbid PTSD. While PTSD is often thought of as a condition that effects veterans, it is a condition that may affect anyone. It is possible for symptoms to develop as quickly as within 3 months but could also take years to develop as well.
Occurrence Of PTSD In Society
The next question is how many suffer from PTSD. Each year it is estimated that 3.5% of the adult, US population is suffering from PTSD. It is reported that at least 70% of adults encounter one traumatic experience in their life and roughly 20% of those individuals will develop PTSD. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, although men have reported more traumatic events, women were twice as likely to exacerbate symptoms. Therefore, PTSD is shown to be more common in women than men.
According to a 2022 peer-reviewed study, intentional trauma was found to have a more significant association with PTSD than traumatic events that were unintentional or non-assaultive. Also, an increased duration of exposure to trauma was associated with a higher risk of PTSD.
Causes Of PTSD
The main misconception about PTSD is that it is only experienced by veterans. In fact, anyone could experience PTSD. The following risk factors are often associated with PTSD:
- Ongoing childhood abuse
- Being in a job with increased risk of exposure to traumatic events (i.e., – military veterans, military personnel, first responders)
- Having little or no social support system after a traumatic experience
- Victim of sexual abuse or assault
- History of abuse in various forms (i.e., physical, verbal, emotional)
- Witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event that threatens survival
- Sudden and tragic loss
- History of substance abuse or recreational drug use
- Acute stress disorder
This is not an exhaustive list but gives you a general sense of the risk factors that may make someone more likely to experience PTSD.
PTSD Treatments And Therapies
Now that we know a little more about PTSD and its general risk factors let’s examine some treatment methods for PTSD. Due to the complexity and variations of neural connectivity of each person, determining a cure for all issues of PTSD may not be possible. However, the prognosis is good for treating PTSD symptoms through psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and exposure therapy. These mental health treatment options have demonstrated a therapeutic impact in mitigating symptoms and providing relief.
Delaware Medical Marijuana And PTSD
Many are now looking to medical cannabis to treat PTSD. Medical marijuana is composed of things called cannabinoids. Typically, we think of Delta-9 THC as one of the cannabinoids in the plant. Delta-9 THC is the part of the cannabis plant that give you the euphoric or “high” feeling. In addition to THC, there are other cannabinoids in the plant like CBD. These parts of the plant work by binding to our endocannabinoid receptors. These receptors are a part of our endocannabinoid system, which is a complex system of receptors located throughout our body in areas such as the brain, bones, skin, digestive system, and more. We all naturally produce endocannabinoids in our bodies that work inside of this system to regulate various body functions.
Research seems to suggest that many issues that arise from PTSD are related to function effected by the endocannabinoid system like sleep disturbances, anxiety, and more. preliminary observational study trials reveal that medical cannabis treatments provide short-term relief, positively impacting those with PTSD symptoms. Examples of these documented studies of marijuana use as a form of treating PTSD will be explained in more detail in a later section.
Delaware Medical Marijuana For PTSD
While the research is still in its early stages, studies suggest that cannabis can be effective for PTSD. A 2019 study looking at CBD determined that 91% of study participants that used CBD saw a decrease in anxiety and sleep disturbance symptoms.
A 2020 randomized, double-blind study performed by the research team at Wayne State University determined how acute low doses of THC affected amygdalar responses to threat. Clinical participants were classified into three groups: (1) non-trauma-exposed healthy controls, (2) trauma-exposed adults without PTSD symptoms, and (3) trauma-exposed adults with PTSD. Low doses of THC were found to lower threat-related amygdala reactivity, reducing anxiety and fear responses in trauma-exposed individuals.
Can I Get A Medical Card For PTSD In Delaware?
Yes, you can absolutely get a medical card for PTSD in Delaware. The state of Delaware has 14 medical conditions that are specifically outlined in the law that a patient can qualify for to get a Delaware medical card. One of those specifically outlined conditions is PTSD. To qualify for a medical card because of PTSD you will need to be able to document your PTSD diagnosis.
A patient can document their PTSD through their medical history. You will need to be able to show that in your medical history you have been seen by a provider for this PTSD. Inside of your medical history there will be notes that your provider has made to document the existence of PTSD.
Getting Your Delaware Medical Card For PTSD
Once it is determined that you have a proper qualifying condition for a medical card like PTSD you will need to see a certified medical cannabis doctor in Delaware. This provider will meet with you to go over your medical history and qualifying condition. If the provider finds that you meet the criteria to qualify for a medical card in the state of Delaware, you will then be able to submit your application to the Delaware Office of Medical Marijuana.
After your doctor’s visit there is still one step to go to qualify for a Delaware medical marijuana card. You will then need to submit an application to the state of Delaware to verify your residency in the state. In addition, you will sign a form to release your medical information to the state of Delaware which is a part of the approval process. This process can either be done online or through the mail. There is a $50 application fee to submit this application to the state of Delaware, which is important to keep in mind.
How Can Green Relief Health Help?
If you’re curious about whether you may qualify for a Delaware medical marijuana card for PTSD, reach out to us today! If you’d like to speak with a Green Relief Health team member, you may contact our office Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. On our website you can also find a large selection of educational blogs, an FAQ page with answers to frequently asked questions, and our own line of hemp-derived CBD that’s recommended by physicians!
